On this page you will find information about:
- What Op FORTITUDE is.
- Who is eligible for support from Op FORTITUDE.
- How to make a referral.
What is Op FORTITUDE?
Op FORTITUDE is a referral system that has been created to help ex-service personnel find housing support. It is funded by The Armed Forces Covenant Fund and is facilitated by the social housing provider Riverside Group.
Op FORTITUDE helps connect people in the Armed Forces Community who are experiencing homelessness to a network of support. The network includes:
- housing providers
- charities, and
- local authorities.
The services that Op FORTITUDE connect people with will help individuals address their risk of homelessness by either helping them stay in their current accommodation or find new housing options.
Additionally, Op FORTITUDE will signpost to complimenting services, including:
- specialist medical care,
- connections with local communities, and
- employment services.
These connections will help individuals with other aspects of their lives that might be impacting their ability to get or keep their housing options.
Learn more about Op FORTITUDE on the Riverside Group website.
Who is eligible for support from Op FORTITUDE?
Ex-service personnel who are experiencing homelessness, or at risk of homelessness, are eligible for support from Op FORTITUDE.
Referrals can come from a range of sources, including:
- directly from individuals themselves.
- Armed Forces charities such as the Royal British Legion.
- Local Authorities.
- His Majesties Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS).
- The Defence Transition Service (DTS).
Apply for support
Even though the process is called "referral", veterans themselves can make their own referral for Op FORTITUDE support by completing the online form or by calling the freephone number below.
Support from the Royal British Legion
The Royal British Legion (RBL) is here for people in the Armed Forces community experiencing homelessness. We’re here to help you get back on your feet as well as refer you to partner organisations who can provide any specialist support you might need.
We might be able to support you if you are street homeless or sleeping rough by:
- advocating for your rights and needs
- helping you access local support in your area
- coming with you to meetings
- ensuring local authorities are meeting statutory and legal requirements.
Royal British Legion Knowledge Base information guides
The Knowledge Base has information guides on experiencing homelessness and housing issues.
Information around experiencing homelessness
Follow the links below to other information guides on the Knowledge Base to learn more about:
Information on housing
Follow the links below to other information guides on the Knowledge Base to learn more about:
To find out more about the support the RBL could offer you, contact us via
Telephone: 0808 802 8080
Telephone overseas: +44 (0)20 3376 8080
Calls are free from UK landlines and main mobile networks
Email: [email protected]
